2013-2014 Bardos Awards:

Sepideh Ashrafzadeh, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan

“I plan to earn an MD/PhD so that I can research in the lab and then translate my findings to clinical practice by making better-informed diagnoses and novel cancer therapies. My ultimate goal is to establish a research lab in a university setting.”

“In order to tackle challenging issues in this field, I believe I need to have the clinical and research training of an MD/PhD to strengthen my understanding of the human anatomy and comprehensive mechanisms governing cancer and infertility.”

2014-2015 Bardos Awards:

Divyansh Agarwal, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut

“I want to pursue an MD/PhD degree and practice in the field of medical oncology. As a physician-scientist, I wish to start my own lab at a university with the goal of enhancing our understanding of cancer, and improving patient care and treatment.”

“Scientific research provides a vital reminder that what we learn in school has essential practical applications that often lead to the betterment of mankind. For this reason, I hope to continue conducting scientific research with a focus on medical applications, by obtaining an MD/PhD in pursuit of a career as a physician-scientist.”

Brianna S. Berg, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington

“My plan is to earn my MD degree, pursue research with emphasis in cancer biology and therapeutics, and become a practicing physician-scientist using the AACR meetings as a means to broaden my knowledge in the field and inspire new projects.”

Abstract 3238: The transmembrane domain of prostate-specific membrane antigen: Its role in oligomerization and activation in prostate cancer and nonprostatic neovasculaturePoster Session: Structural and Biophysical Approaches to Understanding Complex Biological Pathways

“My career goals are to complete my BS and to continue graduate studies in medicine and biomedical sciences. I want to prepare myself to become a health care professional and an outstanding researcher in the breast cancer field.”

Katia P. Fernandez Soto, Indiana University School of Medicine/University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana

"After my undergraduate studies, I plan to pursue an MD/PhD degree with a focus on cancer biology. I plan on putting all my efforts towards translational research while helping patients on their battles against cancer as an oncologist."

Abstract 1986: The role of APC in chemotherapeutic responsiveness of breast cancerPoster Session: Impact of Tissue Context on Tumor Progression and Treatment

"I intend to pursue a career as a physician-scientist to improve the quality of life for those with cancer and their loved ones by applying my education in chemistry to discovering novel treatments.”

Abstract 4816: Development of an integrated analysis platform of circulating melanoma cells for PD-L1 expression as a predictive biomarkerPoster Session: Circulating and Disseminated Tumor Cells as Predictors of Tumor Metastasis

“In the forthcoming stages of my career, I intend on completing a medical scientist degree in the area of cancer biology. This will allow me to combine knowledge with a multidisciplinary team with aims of obtaining meaningful translational outcomes.”

“I intend to pursue a PhD in bioorganic and bioinorganic chemistry, with a focus on creating small molecules as biological probes and new anticancer drugs. Eventually, I hope to be a professor and devote my efforts into discovering new signaling pathways and cancer drugs.”

Carrie S. Yang, Hendrix College, Conway, Arizona

"I plan to pursue an MD/PhD in hematology-oncology. I will strive to be the bridge between the research team and patients in the clinic, utilizing a holistic vision of research and health."

Huwate Yeerna, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California

"I want to become an oncologist/medical scientist, and improve the pediatric-cancer treatments. My immediate goal is to obtain MD/PhD by expanding my bioinformatics research on cancer. I am burning with a desire to improve pediatric-cancer treatment and beyond."